A Patient Questionnaire to Assess the Psychosocial Impact of Visual Loss in Optic Nerve Disorders

Although a significant literature exists describing the impact upon quality of life (QOL) related to visual loss from multiple sclerosis/optic neuritis and other optic neuropathies including glaucoma, there is a paucity of publications addressing the psychological impact of visual loss secondary to optic nerve disorders. The existing reports generally employ the NEI Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) when assessing the effect of visual deficits on QOL. However, the VFQ-25 predominantly addresses the effect of visual loss on functionality in terms of performing common visually-guided tasks (e.g. picking and matching clothes, viewing live sporting events, navigating curbs in dim illumination). We have designed a novel self-administered patient questionnaire focusing upon the psychosocial ramifications of visual loss in contrast to the VFQ-25's emphasis on visual function.